RugbyRebels

Wales + 10
Scotland +10
England +5

I think if you guys get it right you could end up giving France a bit of a thumping, they're certainly begging for one at the moment!

If we can play for something approaching 80 minutes then all will e well. But thus far we haven't got close to that.

Looking at the kick off times i'm going for

Wales 20 - 05 France
Italy 14 - 25 Scotland

My theory probably breaks down for the last game!!

England 28 - 18 Ireland

Wales 21 - 14 France
Italy 15 - 29 Scotland
England 22 - 9 Ireland

Wales 23 - 19 France
Italy 18 - 22 Scotland
England 17 - 15 Ireland

Wales 26 - 16 France
Italy 15 - 30 Scotland
England 29 - 18 Ireland

Everyone reasonably confident for a win vs France? Provided we have a full strength team then I think we are probably favourites. If Foxy is injured then it could get interesting. North to centre or an early look for Watkin?

Wales 31 - 18 France
Italy 23- 21 Scotland
England 24 -17 Ireland

Sandydragon wrote:Everyone reasonably confident for a win vs France? Provided we have a full strength team then I think we are probably favourites. If Foxy is injured then it could get interesting. North to centre or an early look for Watkin?

Even though I am predicting a win (we have won the last 4 times after all) this is France, and it's a Friday night match, so things might unravel for us if they get off to a good start. Or we have some key injuries.

Without Foxy it gets interesting as you say. What's the story with Tyler Morgan, is he in the squad but still injured? Gatland might well be tempted to use North again. Otherwise he has to blood yet another new centre AND get them into the squad with little notice. Watkin looks like he'll get the call one day (this guy actually makes breaks!), but it's pretty early to promote him from the U20s. And we shouldn't forget Ben John - Gatland will have liked his high ball work on the weekend - and he is huge, just like Gatland likes 'em. And he can slot into the wing if needed.

Of these options I think Gatland's most likely to start with an under-par Foxy. Failing this then he'll switch North. I can't really see Gatland bringing a totally new player into the squad at this point. My vote would be to bring John in (I think he's a safer choice than Watkin at this point) because North at centre doesn't convince me and the switch leaves us probably with James and Cuthbert on the wings, which seems weak.

I think if Foxy is 80% fit then he starts. After that, I suspect North will move in as at least he knows the routines. It would be a bit risk for Gatland to blood someone entirely new from outside the squad. Tyler Morgan would be a potential solution if fit.

That would leave Cuthbert and James on the wings, unless Liam moves to a wing with Anscombe at full back. Fingers crossed Foxy is fully fit.

Wales 22, France 18
Italy 8, Scotland 15
England 12 Ireland 9

If Foxy is out, North is the option at centre. I wouldn't be overly distressed having James and Cuthbert in the team vs. France - maybe against other teams their lack of 'intelligence' would be a concern but I doubt the french would target them